Overview
Greetings, trail-blazers and road roamers! Ever felt the call of the wild, urging you to pedal beyond the horizon? Dive into adventure with the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B. Built with a robust aluminum frame and a sturdy Fantail fork, this bike is your trusty sidekick for gravel adventure and serene countryside escapades. Deck it out with racks, fenders, and your favorite gear using its versatile mounts. Those plush 650b x 47 mm tires? They’re like your favorite hiking boots—comfortable, grippy, and ready for anything. And with the Shimano Altus 2 x 9 drivetrain, every journey becomes a joyride. Ready to roll?
Hey, fellow wanderer! Ever dreamt of pedaling through gravel trails, your bike loaded with essentials, and the world unfolding before you? The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B is your ticket to that dream. Designed with bikepacking in mind, it’s the bridge between you and those untouched landscapes. Imagine riding with your pals, the rhythm of your heartbeats syncing with the crunch of gravel beneath. As the sun dips, set up camp, and let the Journeyer rest while you swap tales around a crackling campfire. Reconnect with nature, create memories, and let every ride be a story waiting to be told. Ready to pack and pedal fourth? 🌌🔥🚴♂️🌲
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B is designed with a geometry that caters to diverse gravel and adventure rides. Its flat-bar design promotes an upright riding position, ideal for extended journeys across varied terrains. The bike’s effective top tube ensures riders of all sizes can find a comfortable fit, while the consistent headtube and seat tube angles across sizes provide a predictable and controlled ride, especially during descents. Additionally, the balance between the BB drop and chainstay length offers a mix of stability and agility, making the Journeyer a versatile choice for a range of adventures.
Riding the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B is a harmonious blend of comfort and performance. Its rigid fork length and offset, translates to a bike that feels stable at high speeds yet agile in tight corners. The forward-leaning yet relaxed riding stance enhances aerodynamics, reducing wind resistance and fatigue, while also offering a commanding view of the road or trail ahead. This is a bicycle that feels both nimble and grounded, ensuring confidence in long-distance journeys, tackling gravel paths, or navigating urban commutes.
- Effective Top Tube: With effective top tube lengths ranging from 550mm to 650mm, the Journeyer ensures riders of all sizes can find a comfortable fit, distinguishing it from bikes that might have a more uniform top tube length.
- Stand Over Height: With stand over heights ranging from 606mm to 796mm, the Journeyer ensures that riders have adequate clearance, setting it apart from bikes that might have limited stand over variations.
- Reach and Stack: With reach values ranging from 393mm to 450mm and stack values from 514mm to 655mm, the Journeyer provides a balance between the rider’s forward position and the height of the handlebars, differentiating it from bikes with more aggressive or relaxed geometries.
- Headtube Length and Angle: With headtube lengths ranging from 90mm to 240mm and a consistent headtube angle of 69.5° across all sizes, the Journeyer ensures a predictable and controlled ride, especially during descents, compared to bikes with steeper or slacker angles.
- Seat Tube Angle: With a consistent seat tube angle of 73° across all sizes, the Journeyer offers a comfortable seating position, distinguishing it from bikes that might have steeper angles for aggressive racing or slacker angles for relaxed cruising.
- BB Drop: With a consistent BB drop of 70mm across all sizes, the Journeyer ensures a low center of gravity for stability, setting it apart from bikes with higher or lower BB drops that might prioritize pedal clearance or stability.
- Chainstay Length: With a consistent chainstay length of 440mm across all sizes, the Journeyer offers a mix of stability and agility, differentiating it from bikes with shorter chainstays for agility or longer ones for stability.
- Fork Length Axle to Crown: With a consistent fork length axle to crown of 402mm across all sizes, the Journeyer ensures a balanced front-end feel, different from bikes with longer forks that might prioritize shock absorption.
- Wheelbase: With wheelbases ranging from 1047mm to 1156mm, the Journeyer ensures stability during rides, distinguishing it from bikes with shorter wheelbases for agility or longer ones for stability.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 650B
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 650B with its Shimano Deore M5120 drivetrain, is a more premium version of the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650b. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Fork:
- Altus: Fantail Aluminum
- Deore: Fantail Deluxe Aluminum
- Rear Derailleur:
- Altus: Shimano Altus M370-L SGS
- Deore: Shimano Deore M5120 SGS, 10/11-speed
- Cassette:
- Altus: Shimano M200, 11–34t, 9 speed
- Deore: Shimano Deore M4100, 11–46t, 10-speed
- Chain:
- Altus: KMC Z9
- Deore: Shimano HG54
- Crankset:
- Altus: Shimano MT210 46/30t, Shimano MT500 bottom bracket -OR- FSA VERO PRO ML019 46 S.B Black 46/30t 165L
- Deore: Omega MegaExo 40t, FSA Road MegaExo bottom bracket
- Shifter:
- Altus: Shimano Altus M2010
- Deore: Shimano Deore M4100
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Altus: Tektro MD-U310 with RS360A lever, Shimano RT10 (160 mm)
- Deore: Tektro HD-R280, TR-160-22 (6-bolt, 160 mm)
- Front Wheel:
- Altus: Shimano TX505 9 x 100 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Deore: WTB Serra 12 x 100 mm TA hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 28h
- Rear Wheel:
- Altus: Shimano TX505-8 10 x 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Deore: WTB Serra 10 x 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 28h
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Advent 650B
The Salsa Journeyer Advent 650B with its drop handlebars, is a more premium version of the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650b. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Rear Derailleur:
- Altus: Shimano Altus M370-L SGS
- Advent: Shimano Deore M5120 SGS, 10/11-speed
- Cassette:
- Altus: Shimano M200, 11–34t, 9 speed
- Advent: Shimano Deore M4100, 11–46t, 10-speed
- Chain:
- Altus: KMC Z9
- Advent: Shimano HG54
- Crankset:
- Altus: Shimano MT210 46/30t, Shimano MT500 bottom bracket -OR- FSA VERO PRO ML019 46 S.B Black 46/30t 165L
- Advent: Omega MegaExo 40t, FSA Road MegaExo bottom bracket
- Shifter:
- Altus: Shimano Altus M2010
- Advent: Shimano Deore M4100
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Altus: Tektro MD-U310 with RS360A lever, Shimano RT10 (160 mm)
- Advent: Tektro HD-R280, TR-160-22 (6-bolt, 160 mm)
- Front Wheel:
- Altus: Shimano TX505 9 x 100 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Advent: WTB Serra 12 x 100 mm TA hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 28h
- Rear Wheel:
- Altus: Shimano TX505-8 10 x 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Advent: WTB Serra 10 x 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 28h
vs. the Surly Preamble Flat Bar
The Surly Preamble Flat Bar is designed for urban commuting, with a geometry that emphasizes nimbleness and quick handling in city environments. Its components are tailored for daily rides, offering durability against the wear and tear of city streets. In contrast, the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B is geared towards adventure cycling, with a versatile geometry suitable for mixed terrains and longer rides. While both bikes feature flat handlebars for an upright riding position, the Journeyer’s components and design lean more towards recreational and touring use, potentially at a higher cost relative to the Preamble.
- Frame and Fork:
- Surly Preamble: Typically, Surly frames are made of steel, known for its durability and comfortable ride. The fork design would be urban-centric, optimized for city commuting.
- Salsa Journeyer Altus: Features the Journeyer Flat-Bar Quick-Release frame and the Fantail fork, designed for versatility across various terrains.
- Handlebars:
- Surly Preamble: Flat handlebars, promoting an upright riding position, ideal for city commuting and quick maneuvers.
- Salsa Journeyer Altus: Also features flat handlebars, but with a design more suited for recreational rides and touring.
- Groupsets and Components:
- Surly Preamble: Components are tailored for daily urban rides, emphasizing durability against the rigors of city streets.
- Salsa Journeyer Altus: Equipped with Shimano Altus components, which are versatile and suitable for both city commuting and adventure cycling.
- Ride Feel:
- Surly Preamble: Offers a nimble and responsive ride, ideal for navigating through city traffic and tight spaces.
- Salsa Journeyer Altus: Provides a more relaxed and versatile ride feel, suitable for longer tours, weekend adventures, and mixed terrains.
- Geometry:
- Surly Preamble: Likely has a geometry tailored for urban commuting, with shorter chainstays for quick handling and a design optimized for city environments.
- Salsa Journeyer Altus: Features a versatile geometry that strikes a balance between comfort and agility, making it suitable for varied terrains and longer rides.
Features
Versatile Geometry: The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B boasts a geometry tailored for both urban commuting and adventure cycling, ensuring a comfortable and adaptable ride across varied terrains.
Internal Cable Routing: This feature ensures a cleaner look and reduces the chances of cables getting caught or damaged, enhancing the bike’s longevity. By routing cables internally, the bike also benefits from improved aerodynamics, which can lead to slightly better performance.
Efficient Drivetrain: Featuring a Shimano Altus M2010 shifter, Shimano Altus M370-L SGS rear derailleur, and a choice between Shimano MT210 and FSA VERO PRO cranksets, the bike promises smooth gear transitions and dependable performance on every ride.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B is equipped with the following mounting points to cater to all your gear-hauling needs:
Front Fork Mounts: There are multiple mounts on both sides of the front fork for water bottles, cargo cages, or front racks.
Rear Rack Mounts: The rear of the bike has mounts for attaching a standard rear rack for panniers or other gear.
Top Tube Bag Mounts: The top tube features mounts that can accommodate a toptube bag, providing easy access to essentials during a ride.
Down Tube Mounts: The down tube has mounts for a water bottle cage or for attaching additional gear.
Seat Tube Mounts: The seat tube also has mounts for a water bottle cage.
Fender Mounts: The bike has mounts for full coverage fenders, which are essential for wet weather riding.
Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B Featured in the Wild
Salsa Journeyer Review — A Do-It-All Gravel Adventure Bike
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B is a revamped version of the well-received Salsa Journeyman. This all-road bike has been enhanced to be even more versatile and adept. Notable updates include a refreshed frameset and geometry, the introduction of thru-axles, an option for a carbon fiber fork, increased cargo capacity, and internal routing for a dropper post. The bike’s name was changed to be more inclusive, reflecting Salsa’s commitment to inclusivity while maintaining the adventurous essence of the bike. As Jordan Grimes mentions in the review, “The Salsa Journeyer adventure bike is a jack-of-all-trades designed to handle most terrain and meet a broad range of rider preferences.” The bike is perfect for various activities, from commuting and bikepacking to fitness and gravel riding, making it a versatile choice for many riders.
The Journeyman has turned Journeyer
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B has undergone significant updates, transitioning from the Journeyman to the Journeyer. This revamped model offers an improved fit tailored for smaller riders and boasts enhanced geometry suitable for both adventure riding and daily commuting. As Jamesthebikeguy highlights in his review, it’s a “pretty sweet ‘affordable’ way to get a do-it-all bicycle.” The bike’s adaptability and inclusivity are evident in its design, making it a versatile choice for a broad spectrum of riders.
Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 650b 2022: First Impressions
In this video review, Treelinebackpacker provides a first-hand look at the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 650b 2022 model. The reviewer emphasizes the bike’s design and features, highlighting its adaptability for various terrains and riding conditions. As the title suggests, it’s a “first impressions” take on the bike, offering viewers an initial understanding of what to expect from this model. While the exact quote from the author isn’t available from the provided content, the essence of the review is captured in the phrase “Taking a look at the Salsa Journeyer flat bar Deore 650b 2022, first impressions.”
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B drivetrain is powered by Shimano components, including the Acera front derailleur and Altus rear derailleur, paired with a 9-speed Shimano M200 cassette. The bike offers reliable stopping power with Tektro brakes and Shimano rotors. For rider comfort, it features a Salsa Salt Flat handlebar, WTB Volt Medium saddle, and Salsa File Tread grips. The wheels, equipped with Shimano hubs and WTB ST i23 rims, are wrapped in Teravail Washburn 650b x 47 mm tires, ensuring a smooth and grippy ride.
Frameset
- Frame: Journeyer Flat-Bar Quick-Release
- Fork: Fantail Aluminium
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera FD-T3000-2-TS3
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus RD-M370-L SGS
- Cassette: Shimano M200, 11–34t, 9 speed
- Chain: KMC Z9
- Crankset: Shimano MT210 46/30t, Shimano MT500 bottom bracket -OR- FSA VERO PRO ML019 46 S.B Black 46/30t 165L
- Shifter: Shimano Altus M2010
- Brakes: Tektro MD-U310 with RS360A lever
- Rotors: Shimano RT10 (160 mm)
Components
- Headset: FSA NO.42 ACB IS-2
- Stem: Salsa Guide 31.8, 6-degree
- Handlebar: Salsa Salt Flat 31.8, 700 mm
- Grips / Bar Tape: Salsa File Tread
- Seatpost: Salsa Guide 27.2 x 350 mm, 12 mm offset
- Saddle: WTB Volt Medium, Steel, 142 x 265 mm
- Seatclamp: Salsa Lip-Lock
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Shimano TX505 9 x 100 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Rear Wheel: Shimano TX505-8 10 x 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Tires: Teravail Washburn 650b x 47 mm, 30 tpi, Wire Bead
Frame Construction
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Altus 650B frame is made from Fantail Aluminium designed to cater to diverse riding needs. The bike employs a traditional quick-release system with front axle measurements of 9 x 100 mm and rear axle dimensions of 10 x 135 mm. The rear spacing is set at 135 mm, offering compatibility with various wheel setups. The inclusion of features like the 68 mm BSA bottom bracket, 27.2 mm seat post, and multiple mounting options for accessories and cargo showcases Salsa’s dedication to functionality and versatility.
Geometry
| Size | XS | SM | MD | LG | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 550 | 570 | 600 | 625 | 650 | |
| B. Stand Over | 606 | 641 | 677 | 713 | 749 | 796 |
| C. Reach | 393 | 404 | 423 | 436 | 450 | |
| D. Stack | 514 | 542 | 580 | 617 | 655 | |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 340 | 380 | 450 | 490 | 530 | |
| F. Headtube Length | 90 | 120 | 160 | 200 | 240 | |
| G. Headtube Angle | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | |
| H. Seat Tube Angle | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | |
| I. BB Drop | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | |
| K. Chainstay Length | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 402 | 402 | 402 | 402 | 402 | |
| M. Fork Offset | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | |
| N. Wheelbase | 1047 | 1069 | 1101 | 1129 | 1156 | |
| Crank Arm Length | 165 | 170 | 170 | 172.5 | 175 | |
| Handlebar Width | 700 | 700 | 700 | 700 | 700 | |
| Recommended Rider Height | 142 – 155cm | 152 – 165cm | 163 – 175cm | 173 – 185cm | 183 – 196cm | |
| Stem Length | 60 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
Measurements based on:
- a fork measuring 405mm with 50mm offset
- a 700 x 38mm tire measuring 706 mm in diameter
- Stand over measured vertically to top of top tube from a position 50mm forward of BB center
Warranty
WARRANTY REGISTRATIONS
Register your purchase at Salsa’s Warranty Registration.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Salsa Cycles ( “Salsa ” ) makes the following limited Warranty:
All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below. Every Salsa frame, component, and apparel has a useful product life cycle. The length of that useful product life cycle will vary depending on the construction and the materials of the product, maintenance and care the product receives, and the amount and type of use the product is subjected to over its life. Your bike has an intended level of use as defined by the ASTM Riding Condition Classification Chart. Failure to adhere to the use cases identified in this chart will void your warranty. Save your dated receipt for proof of purchase.
NOTE:
All warranty periods below apply to the original owner only
ONE YEAR WARRANTY
All apparel
All frame bags
Salsa Cycles does not guarantee the compatibility of original components with a warranty replacement frame. Salsa Cycles is not responsible for parts or labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly, including wheel rebuilds.
Salsa Cycles cannot guarantee a color match to the original frame, component, or apparel in the event of a replacement.
This warranty applies to 2014 and newer model bicycles and covers only Salsa Cycles branded product. Any other original part or component shall be covered by the stated warranty of the original manufacturer. Any products not specifically included above are hereby excluded.
TWO YEAR WARRANTY
Aluminum chainstays of suspension frames
Aluminum seatstays of suspension frames
Carbon seatstays of suspension frames
All other suspension frame parts (excludes hanger, pivot hardware, bearings)
THREE YEAR WARRANTY
Aluminum frames
Aluminum front triangles of suspension frames
All Salsa forks
All Salsa components
FIVE YEAR WARRANTY
Steel frames
Titanium frames
Carbon frames
Carbon front triangle of suspension frames
THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE FOLLOWING
Damage due to improper assembly or follow-up maintenance or lack of skill, competence or experience of the user or assemble
Bicycles that were not assembled or serviced by an authorized Salsa Cycles dealer
Products that have been modified, neglected, used in competition, or for commercial purposes such as rental, courier, police, security, etc, misused or abused, involved in accidents or anything other than normal use
Installation of components, parts, or accessories not originally intended for use with or compatible with Salsa frames and components
Salsa Cycles bicycles, frames, components or softgoods purchased from an unauthorized dealer
Salsa Cycles bicycles, frames, components or softgoods purchased from third-party internet sites, including auction websites, and regional trading websites (examples: Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist) are not covered under this warranty, even if you have a receipt
Sandblasting, sanding, grinding, wire brushing, filing, welding, brazing, drilled holes, anodizing, refinishing, powder coating, or chrome plating the bicycle, frame, or component will void the warranty
Internal rust perforation on all steel frames
Wear, scratches, chips and cracks to paint, finish, or coating on all Salsa frames and components
Bent or broken derailleur hangers or Alternator plates
Labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly, including wheel rebuilds
Damage to carbon fiber caused by any carbon assembly paste
Normal wear and tear
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This limited warranty is expressly limited to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at the option of Salsa Cycles, and is the sole remedy of the warranty. This limited warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Salsa Cycles product and is not transferable. This warranty applies only to Salsa Cycles products purchased through an authorized dealer or distributor. In no event shall Salsa Cycles be liable for any loss, inconvenience or damage, whether direct, incidental, consequential, or otherwise resulting from breach of any express or implied warranty or condition of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or otherwise with respect to our products except as set forth herein. This warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights, and those rights and other rights may vary from place to place. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THESE WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS INCLUDING WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
For 2013 and older model bicycles and products, please consult your Owner’s Manual, Salsa Cycles product instructions, or contact Salsa Cycles or your authorized Salsa dealer for the applicable warranty information.